55+ Communities Raise $100k for Disabled American Veterans

Cove’s Got Talent and the communities that compete in the Florida talent show raised big money for DAV. More than $100,000 will go directly to the non-profit which supports disabled American veterans (DAV). 

Retirement communities and RV parks throughout Florida raised about $50,000 throughout the fall and winter from Fort Myers to Lakeland. The fundraising was matched up to $50,000 by Cove Communities which owns the manufactured home communities and RV resorts that participate. The total was announced Wednesday, March 26 during the Cove’s Got Talent Finale in Cypress Lakes Village.

The annual event has raised $400,000 to support our veterans over the years. 

The Winners of Cove’s Got Talent 2025

Cove’s Got Talent celebrates the remarkable abilities of residents and guests across all Cove Communities. People compete from Maine to Florida for a shot at the finale and the $2,500 grand prize.

The competition featured incredible performances. The finalists took center stage in Lakeland, Florida after qualifying earlier in the year in community-based preliminary shows.

Kenny Weiland from Camelot Lakes Village took first place with his original song, I Wish My Dog Could Drive. 

From Cypress Lakes Village in Lakeland, FL The Grackle Loop Birdettes earned second place. Beverly Terzian from Rolling Greens Village in Ocala, FL earned third place after bringing lots of energy to the stage. 

More Than Just a Talent Show

Cove’s Got Talent is a platform for impressive performances and raising funds for the DAV. This non-profit organization provides critical services to veterans at no cost. Every year, Cove Communities supports the DAV through events, silent auctions, and fundraising initiatives organized by residents and guests.

The support in 2025 was remarkable. Communities contributed through fundraisers,  bake sales, raffles, and yard sales. 

The dedication to supporting veterans paid off with fundraisers meeting the goal of $50,000 to maximize corporate matching. 

Florida Communities Raise Money for DAV

Jamaica Bay Village in Fort Myers, Florida hosted its first-ever DAV event. It was a huge success and raised over $8,000 in a single night by auctioning off gift baskets. The full participation of the HOA Board, Veterans Club, and community residents made the event special.

Blueway RV Park is also a dedicated supporter. The Fort Myers, Florida RV resort raised more than $5,000 through breakfasts, taco nights, and ice cream socials. Park staff do not accept tips. Instead, the staff encourages guests who want to tip to put the money into the DAV fund instead. 

Even the kids pitched in at Blueway RV Park. Staff donated money raised by their youngest guests who sold snow cones during a cornhole tournament.

These weren’t the only communities raising money.

Donations poured in from River Vista Village (Ruskin), Cypress Lakes Village (Lakeland), and Camelot Lakes Village (Sarasota). All three made significant contributions to the 2025 fundraising efforts. 

Corporate Sponsors Supporting DAV

A heartfelt thank you to the generous sponsors of Cove’s Got Talent who made the fundraiser a success by supporting DAV. 

Platinum Sponsors 

• Novak Environmental Services

• Refrigeration & Electric Service Inc. 

Executive Sponsors

Major Sponsors

How DAV Donations Help Veterans

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) assisted over 1 million veterans in 2024 alone. The national non-profit advocates for veterans’ rights and offers vital services like healthcare, financial assistance, and mental health support. 

The funds raised through Cove’s Got Talent directly support these life-changing programs. 

The people of Cove Communities have built something truly special—a tradition of talent, kindness, and community spirit. Since the beginning of Cove’s Got Talent, generous donations have raised $400,000 for the DAV.

Visit the Supporting Our Vets for resources, an in-depth look at what DAV provides its members, and how Cove Communities raised funds year-round.